Healthy Students Initiative
Research shows the academic success of students is strongly linked to their health. Students who are more physically active and consume a nutritionally balanced diet perform better in school. Research also shows that it is easier for individuals to be more active and eat healthfully when their environment encourages such behaviors.
Three elementary schools kicked off the 2008 school year taking part in a new initiative that aims to transform the school culture to promote healthy eating and physical activity.
Bella Vista Elementary, Cypress Elementary and Lassen View Elementary have been identified for this effort, which will last seven years and will implement strategies such as hiring full-time physical education teachers, providing a healthy breakfast to all students, enhancing existing school garden efforts, and providing resources to families, enabling them to eat healthier and be more active.
Cypress Elementary is excited about the opportunity to participate in the Healthy Students Initiative. "We are looking forward to enhancing our school environment to help families develop healthy habits in their children," said Cindy Bishop, principal of Cypress Elementary School.
Research shows the academic success of students is strongly linked to their health. Students who are more physically active and consume a nutritionally balanced diet perform better in school. Research also shows that it is easier for individuals to be more active and eat healthfully when their environment encourages such behaviors.
"This first year is primarily about planning. We’re excited about working with students, parents and school personnel to begin to plan these changes," said April Jurisich, Program Coordinator.
The Healthy Students Initiative partners include the three elementary schools, Shasta County Public Health, Shasta Family YMCA, and The McConnell Foundation. It is a project of Healthy Shasta, a partnership committed to making healthy eating and physical activity the easy choice. For more information, visit www.healthyshasta.org or call April Jurisich at (530) 245-6843.